TV series on Mt Erebus inquiry

Press, 29 August 1986, Page 5

TV series on Mt Erebus inquiry

PA Wellington Television New Zealand plans a four-part series about the Mount Erebus air disaster inquiry, based on a book written by Mr Peter Mahon, who presided over the hearings, and who died recently. TVNZ’s head of drama, Mr John Mcßae, confirmed yesterday that the book rights had been bought and said shooting of the series would start in January. The first episode would run for 72 minutes and the other three for 48 minutes.

Mr Mcßae said the series would deal specifically with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Air New Zealand DCIO

crash on Mount Erebus and not the disaster itself.’ The budget for the series had yet to be finalised and actors would probaly not be chosen until late this year, he said, with New ZealanH actors taking most parts. Mr Mcßae denied reports that an English actor, Sir Alec Guinness, had been offered the key role of Mr Mahon. “I do not know how that got into the news media. All I mentioned was that Sir Alec was a look-alike for Mr Mahon. We have not offered him the role.” He said there should be some international interest in buying the series because viewers “were always interested in air disasters.”